Alignment device for assembling components and method of use
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsRuediger Maier, Bert Niessen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fixture for positioning a component in a desired location in a first plane for assembly, machining, or other processing related to manufacturing. The fixture includes a holder establishing a reference position within a second plane parallel with the first plane, and a pin retained by the holder for movement relative thereto in the second plane within a range of coarse alignment about the reference position. The pin and holder are movable together normal to the second plane to engage the pin with the locating feature. A fixing element is movable, when the pin is engaged with the feature, to urge the pin to the reference position.
Claims17
Apparatus comprising:
- a pin movable along an axis to engage a locating feature of a component;
- a holder retaining the pin for movement about a reference position within a plane normal to the axis, the reference position aligned with a desired position of the feature;
- and
- a fixing element movable, with the pin engaged with the feature, to urge the pin to the reference position.
A method of positioning a component comprising:
- moving a pin relative to the component along an engagement axis to engage a reference feature of the component and fix the feature in a coarsely aligned position in a plane normal to the axis;
- and
- moving a fixing element relative to the pin to urge the pin to a precisely aligned position.
A fixture for positioning a component in a desired location in a first plane comprising:
- a holder establishing a reference position within a second plane parallel with the first plane;
- a pin retained by the holder for movement relative thereto in the second plane within a range of coarse alignment about the reference position, the pin and holder movable together normal to the second plane to engage the pin with a locating feature of the component;
- and
- a fixing element movable, when the pin is engaged with the feature, to urge the pin to the reference position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.